How do you guys feel about specialists? Since I don’t do
endodontics or oral surgery in my office, I depend on them and refer patients
often. But there are some things I wish they would—or wouldn’t—do. For that
reason, I thought it might be a good idea to create a list for specialists on
the dos and don’ts of working with a general dentist:
Do: Follow up with me when I refer a patient. I would
like to know what procedure he or she had and when it was completed.
Don’t: Assume that my patient will know to follow up
with me right away. You may have just completed the world’s best root canal,
but if it is covered by a leaky IRM for six months until the patient’s next
recall visit, we may have a problem.
Do: Send treats to my staff on a regular basis. They
LOVE treats.
Don’t: Have a general dentist secretly working for
you in your practice. Word travels fast and your referrals will eventually
become nonexistent if you become greedy and keep all of the dental work for yourself.
Do: Regularly mail our office your business cards or
referral slips. When we run out, we might forget to call and ask for more and
instead give out the card of another doctor that we have on hand.
Don’t: Recommend additional treatment to my patients.
This didn’t happen to me, but someone I know went to an oral surgeon for an
extraction, during which the surgeon suggested he also have other teeth removed
because they were not restorable. The general dentist disagreed and I do not
think she will be referring to that oral surgeon again anytime soon.
Do: Respond to my texts or emails quickly. Sometimes
I will have a patient in the chair, and I love being able to quickly text
another doctor for a second opinion. Also, I really appreciate being able to
tell my patient that I have spoken to the specialist and that he or she is fully
informed about the treatment plan before the patient even shows up to the
office.
Don’t: Post statements or articles on social media
that are meant to discourage a patient from seeing a general dentist for
procedures that should “only be performed by a specialist.” I know many general
practitioners who are excellent at crown lengthening, orthodontics, placing
implants, and so forth.
Do: Compliment me on my dental work. Flattery will
get you everywhere.
What else am I missing? Please post a comment below!
Lilya Horowitz, DDS
1 comment:
I sent this to my daughter orthodontist
and she liked the comments
She said,"Niiiice, I really liked this! Thank you for the valuable insight!!"
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